Fines of up to £5,000 for the sale of disposable vapes
THE UK Government has outlined new guidance on the incoming disposable vape ban, set to come into force on 1 June.
Published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Westminster has highlighted the definitions behind what a single-use vape is, who this ban is likely to affect and the consequences that anyone caught selling the devices from 1 June will face.
The guidance outlines which vape devices will still be legal to sell from 1 June, with a checklist for retailers to consider when examining the device. To assist with this as well, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a website that store owners can use to check the device as well.
For any retailers in Scotland that continue to sell single-use devices after the cut off date, they could face a fine of up to £5,000, as well as up to two years in jail.
The DEFRA guidance states: “If you’re found guilty of supplying, offering to supply or having in your possession for supply single-use vapes, you’ll be subject on summary conviction to a fine of up to £5,000. On further conviction of these offences, you may face up to 2 years in prison or be subject to a fine, or both. “
Anyone who suspects a person may be selling these devices after 1 June can report this to their local Trading Standards service.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed this new guidance from the government, claiming the information already “confirms information that ACS has circulated to members through its dedicated Assured Advice guide on selling vapes responsibly”.
A spokesperson for the ACS said: “The ACS Selling Vapes Responsibly guide also includes advice for retailers on how to spot an illicit product, with information on all of the things to look out for on the packaging and where to check the list of legitimate products, as well as advice on preventing underage sales and the use of Challenge25 to support colleagues.”
To further support retailers in preparing for the incoming ban, the ACS has also made a poster to display available online to retailers that can be used to communicate the ban to customers coming to the store. The poster can be accessed here.
